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Strategies and drivers of innovations in the circular context: The case of Italian SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Emy Zecca

    (University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences
    Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamic Studies, SEEDS)

  • Andrea Pronti

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of International Economics, Institutions and Development
    Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamic Studies, SEEDS)

  • Massimiliano Mazzanti

    (University of Ferrara, Department of Economics & Management
    Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamic Studies, SEEDS)

Abstract

The circular revolution has emerged as one of the greatest current and future challenges for Europe and globally. In this new paradigm shift, everyone is called to contribute, from consumers to firms. Small and medium-sized firms, thanks to their size, dynamism, and strong presence across Europe, can play an active role in driving change. Their innovative activities/approaches can guide them both toward a circular future and toward the path of sustainable growth. This work aims to analyze the drivers that push firms to adopt a circular innovation path, using data from a two-period survey of Italian manufacturing SMEs. By focusing on key variables identified in the literature, the results demonstrate a certain heterogeneity among the drivers influencing the five categories of circular innovation considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Emy Zecca & Andrea Pronti & Massimiliano Mazzanti, 2026. "Strategies and drivers of innovations in the circular context: The case of Italian SMEs," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 36(1), pages 1-36, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:36:y:2026:i:1:d:10.1007_s00191-025-00933-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00191-025-00933-6
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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